EP REVIEW: We Annihilate I – My Favourite Nemesis
MY FAVOURITE NEMESIS are back; the Finish metalheads return with their first bit of new since 2023’s Eidolon, and this time around it’s an EP they’re pummelling our ears with. Titled We Annihilate I, it consists of only five tunes, but nonetheless sees the band wearing their hearts on their sleeves as they deliver a sonic barrage full of hard-hitting anthems and catchy hooks that sound how a bruise looks.
The EP opens with the title track, which features a swirling cavalcade of crushing guitar riffs which feel very similar to that of PANTERA at times. This track will instantly turn any crowd into a sweaty maelstrom of bodies slamming against one another, and it really sets the standard for the rest of the EP on the vocal front as it allows both the singers – Janne Piela and Sanna Solentera – to flex their incredible vocal range. The duo deal in a sumptuous mix of both harsh and clean vocals which gives each track on the record a chance to shake things up a little and not stay the same throughout.
Continuing the all out assault on the senses is A Paradox You Seek. It doesn’t feel like this EP can get any heavier, but on this particular song it absolutely does. Everything about MY FAVOURITE NEMESIS, particularly with this track, is so tight and concise; there isn’t any margin for error, and it never feels dull or outstays its welcome. The music itself has a delightful bounce to the rhythm guitars, and once again the vocals come out to play on the track as Solentera’s ethereal cleans waver throughout in the background while the harsh vocals of Piela take centre stage.
With what feels like MY FAVOURITE NEMESIS turning things up to 11, we reach the midway point of the EP, where Corporeal Husk shakes things up slightly by bringing in more of a metalcore vibe to the party. It’s the most melodic sounding track that the EP has to offer, and this time it’s Solentera’s turn to take centre stage as her stunning vocals guide us through the track. As ever, the drumming continues to pummel our senses, and the guitars remain in fine fettle in an almost AVENGED SEVENFOLD style as the huge riffs and dual solos tear through the song leaving no stone unturned.
Penultimate track Chimera has such an intensity about it that it wouldn’t feel amiss if featured on any of the Doom games. It’s a tune that psyches you up and makes you feel like you can take on anyone and anything that gets in your way. The swirling guitars return once more and combine with the awesome sounding double bass pedals that are sure to turn any room this song is performed in into one enormous circle pit.
Finally, Blind closes out proceedings and also happens to be the best song on the EP. Whilst the heaviness remains, it almost gives the listener a moment of respite amongst the chaos with it being the slowest track on the record. This track in particular is the most anthemic song on the record; vocally it is very reminiscent of Lost Forever/Lost Together era ARCHITECTS, and Piela’s delivery almost has a sense of desperation about it as the EP reaches its climax. Throughout the track, the instrumentals have one last push and give everything they’ve got as it reaches its end.
Whilst We Annihilate I is nothing new in terms of sound, it’s a great listen from start to finish. It’s compact and leaves you feeling like you’ve gone ten rounds in a boxing ring. The only downside to it is it’s too short as it leaves you wanting so much more from the band, though you can always delve into MY FAVOURITE NEMESIS’ previous works. The thought of seeing these tunes live is indeed a mouth-watering prospect, so if you’re at Uprising Festival this summer make sure MY FAVOURITE NEMESIS are high on your list – you’ll regret it if they’re not.
Rating: 8/10
We Annihilate I is set for release on April 26th via Seek & Strike.
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